LSP: 18-wheeler driver involved in 6-vehicle crash identified

The Louisiana State Police reports the driver of one of the 18-wheelers involved in a crash involving four cars and another big rig will be charged with traffic violations.

Troopers said the truck driver, Derrick Myles, 35, of Plaquemine, LA, will be charged with reckless operation and four counts of negligent injuring.

They had previously indicated the man would be charged with DWI, but have backed away from that statement. They are awaiting the results of a toxicology analysis to determine whether other charges will be filed.

Troopers have confirmed one serious injury in the crash. That driver was taken to the hospital and is listed in stable condition. Names have not been released.

The crash happened on LA 30 at LA 73 in Geismar Tuesday morning. The roadway was closed for several hours, but was reopened just before 11 a.m.

An alert went out from LSP around 6:45 a.m. stating LA 73 was closed at LA 30.

Then about 15 minutes later, another alert was sent indicating LA 73 was open, but LA 30 remained closed.

In a news release from Louisiana State Police:

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 35 year old Derrick W. Myles of Plaquemine was driving a 1996 Peterbilt tractor-trailer northbound on LA Hwy 30. Myles failed to stop while approaching the intersection of LA Hwy 30 and LA Hwy 73, and his Peterbilt rear-ended a 2007 Honda Civic that was stopping in traffic at the red light of the intersection.

After striking the Civic, Myles' tractor-trailer and the Civic continued forward striking a 2003 Ford Explorer. This impact caused the Explorer to strike a 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck before crossing into the southbound lanes and overturning, coming to rest in the southbound lanes.

Myles' tractor-trailer and the Civic continued to travel forward, striking a 2003 GMC Sierra pickup truck on the drivers' side. This impact pushed the GMC Sierra into a 2006 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. After the multiple collisions, Myles' tractor-trailer, the Honda Civic, the red GMC Sierra pickup truck and the second tractor-trailer came to rest crushed together.

All drivers involved were properly restrained at the time of the crash

Three adult males and one juvenile were arrested in Limestone County on Thursday after a four-hour manhunt and charged with multiple counts stemming from a string of vehicle thefts.

A ground search ensued that lasted about four hours and covered approximately six miles, ending a few hundred yards east of Hays Mill Road where the suspects were caught in a hunting stand/shoot house.

A ground search ensued that lasted about four hours and covered approximately six miles, ending a few hundred yards east of Hays Mill Road where the suspects were caught in a hunting stand/shoot house.

A nonstop route to Orlando is coming soon to Huntsville International Airport. Silver Airways, an airline based out of Fort Lauderdale, will start the new route on May 23, 2018. The airline made the announcement on Tuesday. Silver plans to fly its new ATR-600 aircraft to complete the 600 mile trip. The ATR-600 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that can seat up to 70 people on some models. Silver Airways says its model will feature leather seating, increased leg room and sp...

A nonstop route to Orlando is coming soon to Huntsville International Airport. Silver Airways, an airline based out of Fort Lauderdale, will start the new route on May 23, 2018. The airline made the announcement on Tuesday. Silver plans to fly its new ATR-600 aircraft to complete the 600 mile trip. The ATR-600 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that can seat up to 70 people on some models. Silver Airways says its model will feature leather seating, increased leg room and sp...